Posted on 02/16/2003 8:31:11 PM PST by stilts
JEDDAH, 17 February 2003 — Saudi Arabia will not allow any foreign powers to meddle in its executive or lawmaking authorities, Prince Abdul Rahman, deputy minister of defense and aviation, stated yesterday.
“It would be totally unacceptable,” he said.
He also disclosed plans to further strengthen the Saudi armed forces to defend the country and its vital resources.
“The Kingdom will remain united and strong and will not submit to any foreign influence,” he added, saying that where there were joint interests co-operation could take place.
Addressing officers at the King Faisal Airbase in the Northwestern Province, Prince Abdul Rahman underlined the significance of national unity in ensuring the Kingdom’s future.
“Unity is important not only for the ruler but also for every member of Saudi society,” he said.
Refuting unspecified allegations of Western dominance in the Kingdom as “baseless falsifications,” the prince said that Saudi Arabia has never been subjected to such influences.
“This country, which is ruled by Islam, cannot and will not submit to such influences,” he asserted.
The minister blasted “greedy foreign powers” who he claimed were eyeing the Kingdom’s natural resources.
“Nobody came to our help when we were poor. How can they now crave for its wealth? The Kingdom’s resources are for its citizens, including future generations,” he stressed.
Prince Abdul Rahman also called for a strengthening of the armed forces.
“In the future, we will call for a doubling of these forces in a way that would ensure the future of the country and protect its entity and stability from any eventuality,” he said.
He highlighted the significant role of the air force in defending the vast country.
The minister noted the spontaneous response of Saudis who volunteer their services for the country’s armed forces as well as its internal security forces.
“Young Saudis compete with one another to join the armed forces without us forcing them to, as in other countries,” he pointed out.
Wanna bet?
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